Method and apparatus for removably affixing a portable device to an object

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for removably affixing a portable device to an object is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing defining an inner volume, the housing being couplable to the portable device. The apparatus further includes a retractable fastener having an end region, the end region including an opening for fastening the apparatus to the object, the retractable fastener being slidable within the inner volume. The retractable fastener is positionable at a first position in which the opening is exposed to allow fastening of the apparatus to the object, a second position in which the apparatus is locked to the object and a third position in which the retractable fastener is substantially contained within the inner volume.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable electronic device accessories and more specifically to affixation accessories for mobile telephones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recent statistics show that the number of cellular telephone users in the United States alone is about 203 million. The emergence of the cellular telephone and portable digital assistants (“PDA”s) as widely embraced technologies has led to the emergence of ancillary markets, such as the market for cellular telephone accessories. As more and varied cellular accessories reach the market, the need for smaller and more streamlined accessories has developed.

Cellular telephones are currently quite compact, having a length, width and depth of only a few inches. Some persons, particularly males, prefer to carry their cellular telephone or cell phone on a belt about their waist. Various belt clips for cellular telephones have been devised. One form of belt clip requires that the cell phone itself carry a certain attachment that interlocks with a complementary attachment on the belt clip. These types of cellular telephone belt clips include a first clip member which captures the person's belt and a complementary clip member which interacts with the first clip member permanently or semi-permanently attached to the rear side of the cell phone. This form of belt clip, however, can be complicated to use since it consist of multiple separate pieces and the user is required to place a first member on his belt before the cell phone is attached to the belt.

Another form of belt clip is a simple clip that attaches permanently or semi-permanently to the back of the cell phone. The clip is subsequently attached to a belt or a pant edge. These clips, however, can be bulky and unwieldy to use. Further, the cumbersome nature and size of these clips makes it more difficult to carry the cell phone in a pant pocket or a small purse.

Thus, there is a need to overcome the problems with the prior art, and more particularly for a more efficient and compact way to provide a clip or other fastener for affixing a portable device to an object such as an individual's belt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention advantageously provides a method and apparatus for removably affixing a portable device to an object using a simple and low-cost device with a small profile.

In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for removably affixing a portable device to an object. The apparatus includes a housing defining an inner volume, the housing being couplable to the portable device. The apparatus further includes a retractable fastener having an end region, the end region including an opening for fastening the apparatus to the object, the retractable fastener being slidable within the inner volume. The retractable fastener is positionable at a first position in which the opening is exposed to allow fastening of the apparatus to the object, a second position in which the apparatus is locked to the object and a third position in which the retractable fastener is substantially contained within the inner volume.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a method for removably affixing a portable device to an object. The method includes providing a housing defining an inner volume, the housing being couplable to the portable device. The method further includes affixing a retractable fastener to the object, wherein the retractable fastener includes an end region, the end region including an opening for fastening the apparatus to the object, the retractable fastener being slidable within the inner volume. The retractable fastener is positionable at a first position in which the opening is exposed to allow fastening of the apparatus to the object, a second position in which the apparatus is locked to the object and a third position in which the retractable fastener is substantially contained within the inner volume.

In accordance with still another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for removably affixing a portable device to an object. The apparatus includes a case for a portable device and a housing defining an inner volume, the housing being couplable to the case. The apparatus further includes a retractable fastener having an end region, the end region including an opening for fastening the apparatus to the object, the retractable fastener being slidable within the inner volume. The retractable fastener is positionable at a first position in which the opening is exposed to allow fastening of the apparatus to the object, a second position in which the apparatus is locked to the object and a third position in which the retractable fastener is substantially contained within the inner volume.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective frontal view of an attachment device in a fully deployed (first) position for affixing a portable device to an object in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a rear perspective view of the attachment device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a frontal perspective view of the attachment device of FIG. 1 in a retracted (third) position;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a rear perspective view of the attachment device of FIG. 1 in the retracted position;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a frontal perspective view of the attachment device of FIG. 1 in a disassembled state;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a rear cutout view of the attachment device of FIG. 1 in the retracted position;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a rear cutout view of the attachment device of FIG. 1 in a semi-deployed locked (second) position;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a rear cutout view of the attachment device of FIG. 1 in the fully deployed position;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a rear cutout view of the attachment device of FIG. 1 in a disassembled state;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a frontal perspective view of the attachment device in conjunction with a mobile telephone case and a mobile telephone, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a frontal perspective view of the attachment device of FIG. 10 in the retracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 an illustration of a perspective frontal view of an attachment device 100 for affixing a portable device to an object in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an attachment device 100 for affixing a portable device, such as a mobile telephone, a cordless telephone, an MP3 player, a camera or a radio, to an object, such as belt or a purse on an individual. The attachment device 100 includes a housing 102 defining an inner volume. The housing 102 may be constructed of a common semi-synthetic polymerization product such as plastic and may be rigid or flexible. The housing 102 includes a front side 104 that may include an orifice 106 extending through the housing 102. Also included on the front side 104 of the housing 102 is an orifice 108 that extends through the housing 102. The openings formed by orifice 106 and 108 can be used, for example, to affix the attachment device to other devices.

Along the top side of the housing 102 is an orifice 120 providing access to the inner volume of the housing 102. Slidably situated within the inner volume of the housing 102 and extending through the orifice 120 is a retractable fastener 110, which comprises a substantially planar element extending into a hook shape so as to provide an opening 118 circumspect by the retractable fastener 110. The retractable fastener 110 extends in a hook shape such that end 116 of the hook element of retractable fastener 110 is adjacent to the body of retractable fastener 110 but does not complete a full loop, thereby generating the gap 132 between end 116 of the hook element of retractable fastener 110 and the body of retractable fastener 110. While retractable fastener 110 can be made of a substantially rigid material, the shape of fastener 110 allows the end 116 to flex in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the retractable fastener 110 so as to facilitate the fastening of the retractable fastener 110 to an object in the case where fastener 110 is made of a resilient material. The hook shape of the retractable fastener 110 allows the attachment device 100 to be affixed to an object such as a belt, a belt loop, a pant edge or a hook.

The retractable fastener 110 includes a protruding element 114 located at a top side 112 of the hook element of retractable fastener 110. The protruding element 114 provides a tab that extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the retractable fastener 110 so as to facilitate sliding the retractable fastener 110 out of the orifice 120. Specifically, a user of the attachment device 100 can use a finger or fingernail to grip the protruding element 114 and slide the retractable fastener 110 in a direction away from the housing 102.

A collar 130 surrounds the front side of the outer rim of the orifice 120. The collar 130 of the orifice 120 can be arranged in the shape of a concave form 124 so as to allow the protruding element 114 to be exposed when the retractable fastener 110 is retracted into the housing 102. The rear side portion of the rim of orifice 120 provides a straight form 122. The retractable fastener 110 may be positioned at a first position in which the opening 118 and gap 132 are exposed to allow fastening of the attachment device 100 to the object, a second position in which the retractable fastener 110 is locked to the object when gap 132 is slid within the housing 102 and a third position in which the retractable fastener 110 is substantially contained within the inner volume of the housing 102. It is in the third position that the protruding element 114 is exposed by the form 124 of the collar 130 so as to facilitate pulling the retractable fastener 110 out of the orifice 120. FIG. 1 shows retractable fastener 110 in the first position.

Collar 130 is spaced apart from the main planar surface of front side 102 to provide a cavity in which to insert and hide the raw cut edge of a mobile device case that has been fabricated to receive and house the attachment device 100. An exemplary arrangement showing attachment device 100 in use with a mobile device case is described below in detail.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a rear perspective view of the attachment device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows a back side 202 of the housing 102 of attachment device 100. Also shown in FIG. 2 is orifice 106 that extends through the front side 104 and the back side 202 of housing 102. FIG. 2 further shows a portion of the collar 130 on the front side of the rim of orifice 120 and the straight form 122 of the rear side of the rim of orifice 120.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a frontal perspective view of the attachment device 100 of FIG. 1 in a retracted position. Specifically, the retractable fastener 110 of the attachment device 100 is shown in the third position in which the retractable fastener 110 is substantially contained within the inner volume of the housing 102. The retractable fastener 110 includes a protruding element 114 located on a top end of retractable fastener 110. FIG. 3 shows that the protruding element 114 provides a tab that extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the retractable fastener 110 so as to facilitate pulling the retractable fastener 110 out of the orifice 120. In this third position, the protruding element 114 is exposed by the concave form 124 of the collar 130 so as to facilitate pulling the retractable fastener 110 out of the orifice 120.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a rear perspective view of the attachment device 100 of FIG. 1 with retractable fastener 110 in a retracted position. Specifically, the retractable fastener 110 (not shown) of the attachment device 100 is shown in the third position in which the retractable fastener 110 is substantially contained within the inner volume of the housing 102. FIG. 4 further shows a portion of the collar 130 on the front side of the rim of orifice 120 (not shown) and the straight form 122 of the rear side of the rim of orifice 120. In this third position, no portion of the retractable fastener 110 is exposed by the straight form 122 of the rear rim of the orifice 120.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a frontal perspective view of the attachment device 100 of FIG. 1 in a disassembled state. FIG. 5 shows that the attachment device 100 includes the front side 104, the back side 202 and the retractable fastener 110. The inner side 502 of the back side 202 includes a tab or cylindrical protrusion 504, which surrounds orifice 108, and tab or cylindrical protrusion 506, which surrounds orifice 106. The inner side 502 of back side 202 mates with the inner side 508 of first housing element 502 so as to produce the housing 102 with an inner volume. Specifically, the tabs 510 on the periphery of the front side 104 slidably interlock with complementary back side tabs 512 on the inner side 502 of the back side 202.

Retractable fastener 110 is slidably situated in the volume between front side 104 and the back side 202 when the front side 104 and back side 202 are mated. FIG. 5 also shows concave cutout 514 located at a lower end portion of retractable fastener 110. When the front side 104 and back side 202 are mated, concave cutout 514 partially surrounds the cylindrical protrusion 506 on the inner side 502 of the back side 202. This facilitates alignment of the retractable fastener 110 within the inner volume of housing 102 while providing strength to the assembled housing 102. The retractable fastener 110 also includes an open elongated region 516. The region 516 allows the retractable fastener 110 to be deployed from the housing up until the stop point 518 reaches the cylindrical protrusion 504. At that point, the retractable fastener 110 is restrained from further deployment and can not be slid completely out of the housing 102.

FIG. 5 further shows a protrusion 520 and a protrusion 522 located on opposite sides of the retractable fastener 110. Protrusions 520, 522 serve to retain the retractable fastener 110 in place while in the first, second and third position, as explained above. A more detailed discussion of the operation of the protrusions 520 and 522 is provided below with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a rear cutout view of the attachment device 100 of FIG. 1 in a retracted position. FIG. 6 shows the inner side 602 of the front side 104 including the retractable fastener 110 therein. In this third (retracted) position the top portion 112 of the retractable fastener 110 is exposed by the concave form 124 of the collar 130 so as to facilitate pulling the retractable fastener 110 out of the orifice 120.

FIG. 6 also shows depressions or detents 604, 606 and 608 located on a side surface of the inner side 602 of the front side 104. The detents 604, 606 and 608 mate with the protrusion 522 of the retractable fastener 110. FIG. 6 also shows depressions or detents 614, 616 and 618 located on the opposite side surface from detents 604, 606 and 608 of the inner side 602 of the front side 104. The detents 614, 616 and 618 mate with the protrusion 520 of the retractable fastener 110.

FIG. 6 shows that protrusion 522 is mated with detent 608 and protrusion 520 is mated with detent 618, i.e., in the third or retracted position. In this manner, the protrusions 520, 522 are mated with the detents 618, 608, respectively, when the retractable fastener 110 is in the third position. The protrusions 520, 522 mated with the detents 616, 606, respectively, when the retractable fastener 110 is in the second position, i.e., the retractable fastener 110 is partially deployed to expose the gap 132. The protrusions 520, 522 are mated with detents 614, 604, respectively, when the retractable fastener 110 is in the first position, i.e., retractable fastener 110 is fully deployed. Therefore, the retractable fastener 110 can be slid within the inner volume of the housing 102 and secured into a position (in either the first, second or third position) when the protrusion 522 is mated with one or another of the detents 604, 606, 608 and the protrusion 520 is mated with one or another of the detents 614, 616, 618.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a rear cutout view of the attachment device 100 of FIG. 1 in the second, i.e., locked and semi-deployed position. FIG. 7 shows the inner side 602 of the first side 104 including the retractable fastener 110. In this second position (i.e., the retractable fastener 110 being semi-deployed out of housing 102), the top portion 112 of the retractable fastener 110 is out of the orifice 120. The retractable fastener 110 extends in a hook shape such that the end 116 of the hook element of the retractable fastener 110 is adjacent to the body of the retractable fastener 110 but does not prevent the hook portion from being affixed to an object. Note that the gap 132 between end 116 of the hook element of retractable fastener 110 and the body of retractable fastener 110 is not exposed, but rather is located below the rim 124 of the collar 130. FIG. 7 further shows that the protrusion 522 is mated with the detent 606 and the opposite side protrusion 520 is mated with the detent 616.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a rear cutout view of the attachment device 100 of FIG. 1 in a fully deployed and unlocked position. FIG. 8 shows the inner side 602 of the front side 104 slidably accommodates the retractable fastener 110. In this first position, i.e., the retractable fastener 110 is deployed to expose the gap 132 outside of the housing 102, a top portion 112 of the retractable fastener 110 is out of the orifice 120. Note that the gap 132 between the end 116 of the top portion 112 hook element of retractable fastener 110 and the body of the retractable fastener 110 is exposed fully above the rim 124 of the collar 130. FIG. 8 further shows protrusion 522 is mated with the detent 604 and the protrusion 512 is mated with the detent 614, i.e., in the first or fully deployed position.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a rear cutout view of the attachment device 100 of FIG. 1 in a disassembled state. FIG. 9 shows the inner side 602 of the front side 104 and the retractable fastener 110. The retractable fastener 110 also includes openings 902 and 904. The openings 902 and 904 provide relief for the protrusions 520 and 522 to resiliently engage with the detents (614-618 and 604-608, respectively) in the front side 104.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a frontal perspective view of the attachment device 100 in conjunction with a mobile telephone case 1002 and a mobile telephone 1004, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The mobile telephone 1004 comprises a base portion 1014, a flip portion 1024 and an antenna 1034. The mobile telephone case 1002 is a jacket or cover for the mobile telephone 1004 and substantially covers the base portion 1014 and flip portion 1024 of the mobile telephone 1004. A rear portion 1032 of the mobile telephone case 1002 includes a pouch or pocket 1030 allowing for insertion of the attachment device 100. Once inserted into the pouch 1030, note that the collar 130 of the attachment device 100 provides a protruding surface that prevents the attachment device 100 from being further slid into the pouch 1030.

FIG. 10 shows that the attachment device 100 has been fully deployed into the first position. In this first position (i.e., the retractable fastener 110 being fully deployed out of housing 102), the retractable fastener 110 is at least partially out of the orifice 120. Note that the gap 132 between end 116 of the hook element of retractable fastener 110 and the body of retractable fastener 110 is exposed fully above the rim 124 of collar 130 thereby allowing the attachment device to be affixed to an object to hold the mobile telephone (or any other portable electronic device) to the affixation object.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a frontal perspective view of the attachment device 100 of FIG. 10 in the retracted position. FIG. 11 shows that retractable fastener 110 has been fully retracted into the third position. In this third position, i.e., the retractable fastener 110 is fully retracted into the housing 102, only a small portion of the retractable fastener 110 is exposed out of the orifice 120.

The retractable fastener 110 includes a protruding element 114 located at a top side of retractable fastener 110. The protruding element 114 provides a tab that extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the retractable fastener 110 so as to facilitate pulling the retractable fastener 110 out of the orifice 120. It is in the third position that the protruding element 114 is exposed by the form 124 of the collar 130 so as to facilitate pulling the retractable fastener 110 out of the orifice 120.

Advantageously, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for removably affixing a portable device to an object using a simple and low-cost device with a small profile. Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments. Furthermore, it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention. 

1. An apparatus for removably affixing a portable device to an object, the apparatus comprising: a housing defining an inner volume, the housing being couplable to the portable device; a retractable fastener having an end region, the end region including an opening for fastening the apparatus to the object, the retractable fastener being slidable within the inner volume and being positionable at: a first position in which the opening is exposed to allow fastening of the apparatus to the object; a second position in which the apparatus is locked to the object; and a third position in which the retractable fastener is substantially contained within the inner volume.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: protrusions on the retractable fastener and detents within the housing to allow retention of the retractable fastener at the first, second and third positions
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises at least two matable pieces.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: at least one tab located on a first piece of the housing; and at least one tab located on a second piece of the housing, wherein the at least one tab on the first piece of the housing interlocks with the at least one tab located on the second piece of the housing.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the end region of the retractable fastener comprises a hook-shape.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is couplable to a case for a portable device.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus fits securely within a pouch in the case for a portable device.
 8. A method for removably affixing a portable device to an object, the method comprising: providing a housing defining an inner volume, the housing being couplable to the portable device; and affixing a retractable fastener to the object, wherein the retractable fastener includes an end region, the end region including an opening for fastening the apparatus to the object, the retractable fastener being slidable within the inner volume and being positionable at: a first position in which the opening is exposed to allow fastening of the apparatus to the object; a second position in which the apparatus is locked to the object; and a third position in which the retractable fastener is substantially contained within the inner volume.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: retaining the retractable fastener at the first, second and third positions using protrusions on the retractable fastener and detents within the housing.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of providing comprises: providing a housing defining an inner volume, the housing being couplable to the portable device, wherein the housing comprises at least two matable pieces.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: fastening a first piece of the housing with a second piece of the housing using at least one tab located on a first piece of the housing and at least one tab located on a second piece of the housing, wherein the at least one tab on the first piece of the housing interlocks with the at least one tab located on the second piece of the housing.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein step of affixing a retractable fastener to the object further comprises: providing a hook-shaped end region of the retractable fastener.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising: affixing the apparatus to a case for a portable device.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second step of affixing comprises: inserting the apparatus into a pouch in the case for a portable device.
 15. An apparatus for removably affixing a portable device to an object, the apparatus comprising: a case for a portable device; a housing defining an inner volume, the housing being couplable to the case; a retractable fastener having an end region, the end region including an opening for fastening the apparatus to the object, the retractable fastener being slidable within the inner volume and being positionable at: a first position in which the opening is exposed to allow fastening of the apparatus to the object; a second position in which the apparatus is locked to the object; and a third position in which the retractable fastener is substantially contained within the inner volume.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a pouch located on the case, wherein the apparatus fits securely within the pouch.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: protrusions on the retractable fastener and detents within the housing to allow retention of the retractable fastener at the first, second and third positions
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the housing comprises at least two matable pieces.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: at least one tab located on a first piece of the housing; and at least one tab located on a second piece of the housing, wherein the at least one tab on the first piece of the housing interlocks with the at least one tab located on the second piece of the housing.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the end region of the retractable fastener comprises a hook-shape. 